Limit Switches
By Terry Bartelt
In this animated object, learners examine the basic types of limit switches and how they are used.
DC Compound Motors
Learners study animation showing the operation of cumulative and differential DC compound motors. A short quiz completes the activity.
Absolute Optical Encoders
The operation and characteristics of an absolute optical encoder used in automation applications are presented.
Aeration
In this animated object, learners examine how aeration develops in a hydraulic pump. A brief quiz completes the activity.
The Air Pilot
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a pneumatic directional control valve using air pilot lines.
The Hydraulic Cylinder
In this animated and interactive object, learners examine the basic parts and the linear movement of a hydraulic cylinder. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Thermocouples (Screencast)
In this animated object, learners observe the operation of a J thermocouple with a cold junction. A table is used to convert the voltage it produces to a corresponding temperature. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Motor Control Circuits
Learners examine an electric motor control circuit that uses a motor starter module. This activity has audio content.
Hydraulic Oil Contamination
By Terry Bartelt, Stephen Schneider
In this interactive object, learners examine how hydraulic oil is contaminated, the types of damage contamination can cause, and the methods used to clean the oil.
Ratio Pyrometers
Learners study the theory of operation for a ratio pyrometer that measures temperature. A short quiz completes the activity.
Digital Position Control
In this animated object, learners examine a closed-loop feedback system that uses digital circuits to control the position of a gear rack.
Stop-Button Wiring to a PLC
Learners consider the correct type of pushbutton to use as a Stop button, the way the Stop button should be hard wired, and the PLC input instruction to use. This animated object includes a short quiz. It is recommended that learners review the learning object “The PLC Examine-Off Instruction” before beginning this object.
The Vortex Flowmeter
Learners view an animation showing the operation of a Vortex flowmeter that is used to measure flow in a process control system.
Digital Thermometers
Learners examine the electronic components of a digital thermometer.
Photoelectric Reciprocation Circuits
This animated lesson shows how a photoelectric sensor, connected to a ladder circuit, causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Linear Displacement Transducer
Learners examine how a linear displacement transducer is used to measure the linear position of a physical object. Animations show the sequential steps of the entire operation.
Motor Action (Screencast)
In this screencast, learners examine the interaction between a conductor that represents a motor armature and a magnetic field that represents a motor’s main field. This interaction causes the shaft to turn.
Overflow and Underflow for Signed Binary Numbers
By John Casey, Terry Bartelt, Terry Fleischman
Learners examine the occurrence of overflow and underflow conditions in a programmable logic controller. It is recommended that users view the learning object “Signed Binary Numbers” in advance of this object.
Incremental Encoder Quadrature Modes
Learners study the method of using more than one track and quadrature modes to improve the resolution of an optical encoder. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Internal Circuits of an Inductive Proximity Sensor
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of various circuits that are internal to the inductive proximity sensor.
Displacement and Velocity Ratios
By James Bourassa, John Rosz
In this animated object, learners examine formulas for displacement and velocity ratios. They also view examples and calculate velocity and the velocity ratio.
Elements of Machine Vision
By Craig Hemken
Learners examine the basic elements of a machine vision system. A short quiz completes the activity.
Four-Wire Sensors
In this animated object, learners examine the signals produced at the N.O. (normally open) and N.C. (normally closed) outputs of sourcing and sinking four-wire sensors. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Hydraulic Brake Valves
The operation of a hydraulic brake valve, including the internal components, is presented using animations.
Line Symbols (Screencast)
Learners examine the different types of lines used on a P&ID diagram and the types of connections they represent. They test their knowledge in a matching exercise.